Latest news with #Panthers-Oilers
New York Times
17 minutes ago
- Sport
- New York Times
After disastrous 2024-25 season, how can regrouping Rangers learn from this year's Stanley Cup finalists?
As the hockey world experiences another Panthers-Oilers duel for the Stanley Cup, there's no better time to see how the Rangers measure up to the back-to-back finalists. General manager Chris Drury seemed to already knew the answer last offseason, as he set about trying to retool the team so soon after it was knocked out of the 2024 playoffs by Florida in the Eastern Conference final. Now, following a disastrous 2024-25 season, Rangers fans have been smacked in the face with reminders of Drury's hunch — that this team and this core, despite reaching Game 6 of the conference finals 12 months ago, weren't going to be able to compete with the Panthers or Oilers in the near future. Advertisement While Drury continues the roster makeover through these next few important weeks, here are four areas where the Rangers can learn from these two dominant squads: Poring over Clear Sight Hockey's scoring chance numbers for the last few seasons, you see a trend: Teams that rank in the top half of the league in high-danger chances against at even strength during the regular season are built for success in the playoffs. In 2024-25, the Panthers ranked second in the league, allowing 4.73 high-danger chances per game. The Oilers were seventh at 5.29. The Rangers? Tied for 30th with 6.28. In 2023-24, the Panthers were third (4.78), the Oilers were 12th (5.38), and the Rangers — winners of the President's Trophy for the NHL's best record — ranked 18th (5.70). The Oilers excel at limiting quality chances in their end by generating them on the other side of the rink, thanks to their dynamic offensive duo of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. With their physical forecheck, the Panthers are built more like a team that prioritizes defense. But the commonality between the two is the ability to transition quickly to offense, whether with the elite skill of the Oilers' top guys or with Florida's aggressive defensemen getting out of the zone and up the ice. The Rangers' defensive failings were obvious this year. But they've struggled to consistently suppress quality offense for some time —a 13th-place finish in high-danger chances against in 2021-22 remains their best rank in the category since their turnaround began that season. The Rangers need to create more connectivity between their defense and forwards so they can keep the grade-A chances down. The Rangers' drafting and developing has needed an overhaul for a while, but we're not talking about the amateur side here. The Panthers famously plucked Gustav Forsling off waivers from Carolina four years ago and helped turn him into a standout defenseman, but it was their professional scouting staff who did the requisite homework on big names like Seth Jones and Brad Marchand, clearly ensuring both veterans could fit what Florida does before making those in-season moves. Advertisement And with limited free agency dollars in the 2023 offseason, Panthers GM Bill Zito targeted Niko Mikkola, who had been a Rangers acquisition that season but didn't shine in New York. Now the 6-foot-6 defenseman does his best Victor Hedman impression every so often. The Oilers have a few high-profile homegrown players too, and it's taken them a few tries (and GMs) but they've similarly utilized their pro scouting staff to solid effect the last couple years. Vasily Podkolzin, Jake Walman, Kasperi Kapanen, John Klingberg, Evander Kane — guys who were ineffective elsewhere have played solid supporting roles. There's even another former Rangers defenseman, in Ty Emberson, shoring up Edmonton's depth. Drury has been trying to undo the Rangers' cap squeeze, but finding some cheap gems would help. No one's magically producing another McDavid or Draisaitl, so that's hard to emulate. And for all the Panthers' mean mugging, they have plenty of skill dotted throughout their lineup, especially in goal, where Sergei Bobrovsky is now the second-highest paid goalie in the league behind Igor Shesterkin. Shesterkin, Adam Fox, Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad — this isn't where the sandpaper is going to come from, but the Rangers still need to provide elite skill to separate themselves during the regular season. Their 'power-play-and-goaltending' ethos over the last few seasons clearly wasn't sustainable, but you can't completely discount the top talent either. Unless McDavid decides he wants to join the Rangers, they simply can't have what the Oilers do now. They can still highlight skill and supplement it with straight-line players, though. Perhaps it's a coincidence, but the Oilers didn't become yearly playoff threats until Corey Perry joined up. Kane too. These are two guys who relish the in-your-face, in-the-crease style that drives opponents up the wall. They both have skill, so don't discount that. But Perry is seemingly parked in front of opposing nets in June since forever ago. Advertisement And you'll run out of fingers ticking off the list of aggravating Panthers players: Sam Bennett, Matthew Tkachuk, Aaron Ekblad, Marchand, A.J. Greer, Jonah Gajdovich … . Zito and coach Paul Maurice knew what they wanted the DNA of this team to be the minute Florida traded for Tkachuk three years ago, and they followed through. The J.T. Miller trade was intended to change New York's core by adding more sandpaper, but it hasn't translated to the ice yet — the locker room was so demoralized by the time he arrived that perhaps players weren't ready to become meaner. It doesn't have to happen every night in the regular season, but once the playoffs roll around, the elbows have to come up.
USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
2025 Stanley Cup Final announcers: Who's calling Panthers-Oilers on TNT?
2025 Stanley Cup Final announcers: Who's calling Panthers-Oilers on TNT? The 2025 Stanley Cup Final is HERE! And it's a tasty rematch that hockey fans everywhere are thrilled about: the defending champion Florida Panthers will face off against the Edmonton Oilers, who came so close last year but who were taken down in seven games. If you're here, it means you're probably wondering: Who are the voices you're hearing calling the game you're watching on TNT, Max or trutTV? Fear not! We have the answers for you. Kenny Albert will be on play-by-play, and he'll be joined by Eddie Olczyk, Brian Boucher and Darren Pang as analysts. Jackie Redmond will be reporting. Who will be on the NHL on TNT Face Off? That would be Liam McHugh hosting, and he'll be joined by Wayne Gretzky, Henrik Lundqvist, Anson Carter and Paul Bissonnette. What's the schedule for the 2025 Stanley Cup Final between the Oilers and Panthers? All times Eastern: Game 1: Wednesday, June 4 at 8 p.m. Game 2: Friday, June 6 at 8 p.m. Game 3: Monday, June 9 at 8 p.m. Game 4: Thursday, June 12 at 8 p.m. Game 5 (if necessary): Saturday, June 14 at 8 p.m. Game 6 (if necessary): Tuesday, June 17 at 8 p.m. Game 7 (if necessary): Friday, June 20 at 8 p.m. What channel will the Stanley Cup Final be on? That would be TNT, truTV and Max.
Miami Herald
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Here's where to find watch parties to cheer for the Florida Panthers
Ready to cheer for the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup Final? You can do it with hundreds of other fans at several watch parties planned throughout the region. When the Panthers are on the road to face the Edmonton Oilers, the biggest party will be at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise. Area restaurants and bars also are expected to roll out Panthers promotions and tune in their overhead TVs to the hockey finals. MORE: It's now home to a ginormous mall and a hockey arena. See Broward city years ago Here's what to know about the Stanley Cup watch parties in South Florida: Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise What: Watch the game on the arena's big screens. Where: Florida Panthers' home arena, 1 Panther Pkwy. near the Sawgrass Mills mall in Sunrise. When: Doors open at 7 p.m. for parties for all road games, including Games 1 and 2 on Wednesday, June 4, and Friday, June 6. Cost: $15 reserved tickets benefit the Florida panthers Foundation. Parking is free and food is for sale. MORE: The Stanley Cup Final is set. What to know about the Panthers-Oilers rematch IcePlex in Fort Lauderdale What: Skate and watch the Panthers play on big screens. Merchandise available at team shop. Where: Baptist Health IcePlex at FTL War Memorial Auditorium, 800 NE Eighth St., Fort Lauderdale. When: Road games June 4 and 6 and June 9 and 12, if necessary. Cost: $17 for watch and skate. Official Florida Panthers bars in South Florida Miami-Dade The Bend: 6844 NW 169th St., Northwest Miami-DadeSandbar Cutler Bay: 20305 Old Cutler Brightside - 1721 SW 22nd St., MiamiCasa Tiki - 1728 SW Eighth St., MiamiAmerican Social - 690 SW First Ct., MiamiDuffy's Sports Grill - 3969 NE 163rd St., North Miami Beach Broward CJ Blacks - 11300 W. State Road 84, DavieFunky Buddha - 1201 NE 38th St., Oakland ParkGeronimo's - 5810 S. University Dr., DavieMilk Money - 815 NE 13th St., Fort LauderdaleAmerican Social - 721 E Las Olas Blvd., Fort LauderdaleCon Murphys - 17 S. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd, Fort LauderdaleDuffy's Sports Grill - 1804 Cordova Rd., Fort Lauderdale, 4800 W. Hillsboro Blvd., Coconut CreekElbo Room - 241 S Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale Palm Beach Bounce - 33 SE Third Ave., Delray BeachJohnnie Browns - 301 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray BeachTin Roof - 8 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray BeachAmerican Social - 351 W. Plaza Real, Boca RatonDuffy's Sports Grill - 20465 State Road 7, Boca RatonER Bradley's - 104 S Clematis St., West Palm BeachIrish Brigade - 621 Lake Ave., Lake Worth BeachO'Shea's - 531 Clematis St., West Palm BeachPig Beach - 2400 S. Dixie Hwy., West Palm BeachKirby's - 841 Donald Ross Rd., Juno Beach, Florida This report will be updated as more events are announced.
USA Today
5 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Panthers-Oilers Stanley Cup Final rematch has plenty of intrigue
Panthers-Oilers Stanley Cup Final rematch has plenty of intrigue Show Caption Hide Caption Are Edmonton Oilers Stanley Cup bound? Former NHLer weighs in Former NHL winger Riley Cote explains what he loves about this Edmonton Oilers team ahead of the Western Conference Finals. Sports Seriously The defending champion Florida Panthers and the Edmonton Oilers are meeting for the second consecutive year in the Stanley Cup Final. Same old, same old, right? Not quite. Though the core players, coaches and goaltenders are the same, both teams have made important additions, most notably the Panthers. They were aggressive at the trade deadline, adding All-Star forward Brad Marchand and defenseman Seth Jones to join their offseason depth acquisitions. The Oilers have surrounded their stars with a few different depth players and the team has honed its defensive game. "It's going to be an incredible battle again," said Panthers forward Sam Reinhart, who scored last season's series-clinching goal. Here's what's intriguing about the Stanley Cup Final, which opens on Wednesday in Edmonton, Alberta (8 p.m. ET, TNT, truTV). Last year's Final was exciting It didn't start that way with the Panthers taking a 3-0 lead in the series and needing one more victory to clinch their first championship. But the Oilers didn't make it easy. They crushed the Panthers 8-1 in Game 4 and scored five goals in both Games 5 and 6 to tie the series. Just when it seemed the Panthers might be reeling, they found their way again in Game 7 and picked up a 2-1 victory for the title. Can Connor McDavid win his first title? The Oilers star has become the NHL's best player after he was drafted No. 1 overall in 2015. Three MVPs, five scoring titles, one goal title, seven All-Star appearances, the game-winning goal in the 4 Nations Face-Off. The only thing missing is a Stanley Cup ring. He came close last year. He broke Wayne Gretzky's NHL record with 34 assists in a playoff year and totaled 42 points. That made him a rare Conn Smythe Trophy (playoff MVP) winner from the losing team, but he stayed with his teammates rather than accept the individual award. That Game 7 loss has driven him and the team. He's leading the league in playoff assists and points again and had a crucial goal in the series clincher vs. the Dallas Stars. Aleksander Barkov is a shutdown star The Panthers captain is one of the top defensive forwards in the league and is favored to win his third Selke Trophy. Linemate Sam Reinhart is also up for the award. That line could be deployed against McDavid or Leon Draisaitl, though Edmonton will have the last line change in four of the games. Barkov had his own special move in the Panthers' series clincher vs. the Carolina Hurricanes. Will Canada's Stanley Cup drought finally end? No Canadian team has won the Stanley Cup since the 1993 Montreal Canadiens. A Canadian team has been to the Final eight times since then, including this year. The Oilers pushed the series to seven games in their last two visits. Edmonton won the Stanley Cup five times (1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, 1990) before the Canada drought began. Panthers can achieve dynasty status The state of Florida has become a hockey hotbed with the Tampa Bay Lightning reaching the Final from 2020-22 (winning the first two years) and the Panthers reaching from 2023-25. Win a second consecutive title and the Panthers dynasty talk could start. They're deep and have multiple-time All-Star Marchand on the third line. It might be hard to keep the team together because Sam Bennett (league-best 10 goals), Marchand, Aaron Ekblad and others are pending unrestricted free agents, and goalie Sergei Bobrovsky has one more year left on his deal. But the salary cap is going up, giving the Panthers flexibility. Rematch doesn't mean the same result The Detroit Red Wings beat the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2008 and the Penguins returned the favor the following year to give Sidney Crosby his first title. The same thing happened in 1983 and 1984. The New York Islanders swept the Oilers for their fourth title in a row. But Edmonton won in 1984 as Wayne Gretzky and company began their own dynasty. Jeff Skinner gets his chance in playoff spotlight The 2010-11 rookie of the year never made the playoffs in his first 13 NHL seasons. But he did this season after signing with the Oilers in the offseason, only to be a healthy scratch after suiting up in the playoff opener. However, an injury to Zach Hyman gave him an opportunity to play again. He scored in his return to the lineup. Stuart Skinner can build up his reputation The netminder got to Game 7 of the final last year but goaltending wasn't considered an Oilers strength heading into this postseason. Skinner was benched after two playoff games and backup Calvin Pickard won six in a row. But an injury to Pickard put Skinner back in the net, and he finished off the Vegas Golden Knights with back-to-back shutouts. He also outplayed Stars goalie Jake Oettinger in the conference final. Both coaches are masterful Florida's Paul Maurice has made the Final in his first three seasons with the Panthers. Edmonton's Kris Knoblauch has done it his first two seasons as an NHL head coach. Both are strong at adjustments. Witness how last year's series had such wild swings. Those adjustments have continued his year. Maurice switched out his fourth line after losing the first two games in the second round before his team won in seven games. Knoblauch benched Skinner to give the goalie a chance to reset. Both coaches are highly quotable. You'll see many of these players at the Olympics Nine Panthers took part in the 4 Nations Face-Off, with Matthew Tkachuk (USA), Bennett, Marchand and Reinhart (Canada), Barkov and others (Finland) and Gustav Forsling (Sweden) leading the way. Edmonton had three players, led by Canada's McDavid. Draisaitl will play for Germany in 2026 and other players from these teams could make the Olympics. The biggest stories, every morning. Stay up-to-date on all the key sports developments by subscribing to USA TODAY Sports' newsletter.
Boston Globe
7 days ago
- Sport
- Boston Globe
Brad Marchand is savoring this trip to the Stanley Cup Final with the Panthers
Over 1,274 games in his career, including playoffs, there are some memories that escape Marchand now. There are some moments that he acknowledges taking for granted, moments where he didn't use an extra second or two to appreciate being part of. That won't happen now, he insists, since Marchand knows he's much closer to the end of his career than the beginning. Advertisement 'It's more like enjoying each day like, having fun when you come to the rink,' Marchand said. 'It can be stressful when you start overthinking things, start looking ahead or the pressure sometimes you put on yourself. This time around, I'm coming to the rink every day and just having fun and trying to live in the moment. You know, not taking anything too seriously.' Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up Except the hockey, that is. Marchand is incredibly serious about the task at hand — which resumes Wednesday night when Marchand and the Panthers open the Stanley Cup Final at Edmonton. It's a rematch of last season's Panthers-Oilers series, one that Advertisement 'This is special,' Marchand said. 'You don't get a lot of opportunities to be part of something like this.' The Panthers are 8-2 in the playoffs when Marchand gets a point, 4-3 when he doesn't. They're 9-1 when he logs at least 15½ minutes of ice time in the playoffs, 3-4 when he doesn't. It's clear: At his age, he still impacts winning with his hands and his voice. 'Guys that are vocal and intense sometimes will get up and down your bench screaming at your bench, right? They just get so wired in the game and he never does that. It's always positive,' Panthers coach Paul Maurice said. 'It's always, 'Stay in there, hang in there.' ... It's bordering on legendary status at this point. He's pumping their tires and he's just, every day, excited. It's his personality.' There is a very clear silly side as well. Marchand made a trip to Dairy Queen on an off day with teammates essentially become a three-day story by saying he had one of their desserts between periods of a game against Carolina. He keeps it light, until it's time not to. If there's a scrum on the ice, he'll be involved. If a teammate needs backup, he'll be there. A chance at the Cup might not come again, and Marchand — who Advertisement 'I may never get back this late in playoffs ever again in my career,' Marchand said. 'To be one of the last teams standing and being part of a great group of guys, these are memories that I want to remember and enjoy. I don't remember some of the series that I played and I know that there's moments that I missed out on or didn't really appreciate because I was worried about other things or stressing about other things. I'm not going to do that to myself this time around.'
